Louisville Mayor Fischer Implements Curfew Due To Violent Protests

Press release from the City of Louisville:

May 30, 2020

After surveying damage from the violence that erupted in downtown Louisville Friday night into early Saturday, Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that he’s asked Governor Andy Beshear to authorize the assistance of the National Guard, and that he’s implementing a dusk-to-dawn curfew at least for the next two days.

The Mayor thanked those who had gathered Friday afternoon to peacefully protest and express their anger, pain and frustration over the tragic death of Breonna Taylor, and said he was furious that “outside agitators” turned the event into violence and destruction.

“Our goal was to keep protests peaceful,” he said, “but as evening came, those intent on destruction began breaking windows, setting fires and looting businesses.”

The Mayor noted that LMPD and other law enforcement partners, including the Kentucky State Police, were focused on keeping people safe, especially after seven people were shot from within the crowd the night before. “I appreciate their managing these protests in a way that emphasized the preservation of human life and public safety,” he said.

LMPD PIO Jessie Halladay confirmed there were six arrests made last night, some because of looting, and six officers were injured.

In an effort to protect the city and its residents from the out-of-town anarchists’ intent on destroying the city, the Mayor announced a dusk until dawn curfew for the next two nights. The curfew will be enforced from 9 p.m. – 6:30 a.m.

Earlier

Mayor Fischer announces more steps to improve police-community relations

“First and foremost, we need people to stay home,” the Mayor said. “If you’re a Louisvillian and you want to help us, stay home.”

The Mayor said he has been in contact with Governor Any Beshear and has requested assistance from the National Guard. Their presence will be appearing in the city later today.

“I have talked to Breonna’s family again this morning,” the Mayor added. “Violence, destruction, bashing and looting of our local businesses, is not the way to honor Breonna.”

See the executive order

The Mayor noted that all Americans must understand the underlying frustration behind many of the protests happening across the nation, and structural change must happen. “But it is not going to happen with violence and destruction.”

The Mayor closed with a message to Louisvillians, “Stay home, stay safe. If you do decide to protest, do it peacefully, do it in the daytime, and then, please go home. Let’s reclaim our city and work together to create a city of peace, equity and justice that ALL deserve.”

See curfew Q&A

This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.